Bhaichung Bhutia seeks support of Sikkimese people in 2024 election

(Source: FB)

PRAKASH ADHIKARI, EOI, GANGTOK, JANUARY 14, 2023:  Ace footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who leads the Hamro Sikkim Party has sought the support of the people of Sikkim permanently to resolve four issues that needed a solution in the interest of the Sikkimese people. 

Among these issues were: Equality and social justice, Inner Line Permit, Article 371F and development of infrastructure. Bhutia said in a statement issued on Saturday that governments in Sikkim, both in the past and at present, had failed to resolve the long-standing issue of reservation of seats for the Nepali and the Limboo – Tamang communities. 

Besides, the proportion of reserved seats for the Bhutia –Lepcha community in the recently held panchayat election pointed towards“ selective injustice towards every community of Sikkim for the political gains of the party in power.” 

Bhutia said the introduction of ILP in Sikkim was necessary now, more than ever before. Being a border state sharing international borders with three countries, ILP was necessary for national security as well as for the protection of the diverse ethnic communities of Sikkim and to clamp down on the menace of crime, drug, violence and unemployment.

Though Sikkim was protected under Article 371F of the Constitution, the provisions of the article had been diluted by governments in power for their political gains. “We have seen how politically motivated protests have been organized in Delhi to abolish article 371F. We need to ensure that Article 371F is followed in letter and spirit.

Bhutia said it was an irony that even in 2023 so many patients, including pregnant women, died in Sikkim because they could not reach the hospital in time due to poor road conditions. Sikkim procured more electricity than it required but still didnot receive round-the-clock power supply. 

Different governments had failed to provide the basic necessities of life like roads, public education, healthcare and internet connectivity. Bhutia said Sikkim needed a true alternative that could provided clean governance, fresh people-centric policies and concrete solutions towards addressing these issues. 

The assembly elections next year could be the first step towards the people of Sikkim realizing their aspirations.